I am taking the battle in Washington over the debt ceiling very personally. When I heard Pres. Obama tell Scott Pelley on CBS News last night that he cannot guarantee that the August Social Security checks will go out if Republicans and Democrats cannot agree on a solution by the end of July,, that was not just an abstract political issue for me. If that happens, I will not be able to pay my August rent. And obviously, millions of other Americans will be in the same situation.

This is just a cynical game for Republicans, and entertainment for their wealthy clientele, but it’s the difference between a roof over my head or a park bench for me.